As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Private Investigator in the United States is $52,202. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $42,202 to $63,102, with most professionals earning between $33,098 and $73,026.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $63,102 | $5,259 | $1,214 | $30 |
| Average | $52,202 | $4,350 | $1,004 | $25 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,202 | $3,517 | $812 | $20 |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
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Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
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Here are companies hiring for Private Investigator and their salaries, click below for more details.
To make money as a Private Investigator, consider offering services like pre-employment background checks, employee misconduct investigations, and surveillance for corporate espionage. You can also provide executive protection, intellectual property investigations, undercover operations, and due diligence for mergers and acquisitions. Salaries typically range from $42,002 to $62,802, with a median of $51,902.
Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and South Dakota do not require state licensure, making them potentially the easiest states to start a career as a private investigator. Salaries in this field range from $42,002 to $62,802, with a median salary of $51,902. However, check local regulations, as some municipalities may have licensing requirements.
Private investigators are most frequently hired by the Banking and related activities industry. Their salaries typically range from $42,002 to $62,802, with a median salary of $51,902. This reflects the demand for their services in ensuring security and conducting thorough investigations within financial institutions.
PIs, whether independent contractors or business owners, typically charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services. The salary range for private investigators is between $42,002 and $62,802, with a median salary of $51,902. Flat fees are often used for straightforward tasks, like background checks, while hourly rates may apply for more complex assignments.
The role of a private investigator can be risky, as it sometimes involves confrontations, making the job stressful and potentially dangerous. While some are licensed to carry firearms, most focus on gathering information rather than acting as law enforcement. Salaries for private investigators typically range from $42,002 to $62,802, with a median of $51,902.
Getting a job as a private investigator can be challenging, as candidates often need to showcase their skills, which may be difficult due to the confidential nature of the work. Gaining relevant experience in fields like law enforcement can help. Salaries for private investigators typically range from $42,002 to $62,802, with a median salary of $51,902.
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